Butalbital is habit-forming, and there is the potential for substance abuse. Tolerance, psychological dependence, and physical dependence may occur especially after prolonged use. Consequently, extended use of butalbital; acetaminophen; caffeine is not recommended.
Abrupt discontinuation of prolonged butalbital therapy can result in withdrawal symptoms.
Gradually taper patients off butalbital to avoid a withdrawal reaction. Barbiturate-dependent patients can be withdrawn by using a number of different withdrawal regimens; consider gradually decreasing the daily dosage as tolerated by the patient. Major withdrawal symptoms may occur within 16 hours and last up to 5 days after abrupt cessation of barbiturates.
Intensity of withdrawal symptoms declines slowly over a period of 15 days.